Rehabilitation Services

The Rehabilitation Services Department at CHOC Children’s is designed especially for children. Using a comprehensive team approach, our physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology specialists work together to provide complete care for children of all ages—from premature newborns to young adults.

The Rehabilitation Services Department is equipped to treat conditions including prematurity, torticollis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, the effects of cancer treatment, orthopedic injuries, Down syndrome, concussions and much more. Whether working with patients in our state-of-the-art facility or in one of the hospital’s inpatient units or clinics, our specialists’ top priority is to provide the very best patient- and family-centered care. Our specialists are driven to help each child reach his or her physical, social and developmental potential.

Evaluation and Treatment

CHOC offers a variety of developmental and functional evaluations that are conducted by licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists. Each evaluation takes about one to two hours to complete. The evaluation is a collaborative process between the patient, parent and therapist, in addressing the child’s developmental needs and eligibility for services. Learn more about evaluations and beginning treatment at CHOC Children’s.

Specialized Facilities, Therapists and Therapy Options

CHOC Children’s is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art pediatric rehabilitation centers in Southern California. When a child needs physical, occupational or speech therapy, their needs are very different than those of an adult. The Rehabilitation Services team specializes in pediatric rehabilitation and uses the very latest research-based therapies in one-on-one sessions with patients and their families. All of our therapists have a master’s degree or higher and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their areas of specialty by attending conferences and seminars across the country.

A special therapy technique called biofeedback that is used to help patients become aware of bodily processes that they may not realize they are doing. Through this therapy, the child can gain some control over these processes and/or learn to manage them. Learn more about biofeedback.

A type of therapy called therapeutic listening that uses music to affect changes at all levels in children with sensory processing dysfunction, as well as those with listening, attention and communication delays or problems. Learn more about therapeutic listening.

Physical agent modalities including heat, cold and ultrasound to help with pain relief, decreased inflammation and increase flexibility.

There’s No Place Like CHOC

All treatments are specially designed with the child and his or her long-term goals and potential in mind.

The Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at CHOC evaluates and treats children with significant feeding problems. Children who participate in the program typically have failed outpatient feeding therapy and have either a G-Tube (feeding tube) or are at risk for G-Tube placement. CHOC has the one of the only inpatient programs dedicated to treating these children west of the Mississippi River.

For patients with orthopaedic and sports-related therapy needs, CHOC Children’s utilizes treatments that are sport- and activity-specific to allow athletes to return to optimal functioning. Learn more about physical therapy for athletes.

CHOC offers one of the only multidisciplinary treatment groups for concussion and post concussion syndrome in the region with direct collaboration with neurologists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and athletic trainers. Learn more about our Concussion Program.

Resources for Patients and Families

It is common to have a lot of questions upon finding out a child need rehabilitation therapy. This comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions and fact sheets may be helpful for families receiving rehabilitation services but should not replace specific instructions or advice provided by a child's medical team.

UCP of Orange County - Information, resources, support and more for families with children with disabilities.

Directions and Contact Information

Rehabilitation Services

We are located in the basement of the CHOC North Tower. Park in the main parking structure and check in at the Administration Desk in the Bill Holmes Tower. Proceed to the CHOC North Tower to the basement level.

Internship Opportunities

The CHOC Children’s Rehabilitation Services Department accepts student internships. Each potential intern undergoes a vigorous interview prior to acceptance. In addition, a contract must also be devised between the university and CHOC Children’s prior to the initiation of the internship. Please contact the Rehabilitation Services front desk for more information at (714) 509-4220.